Families Thames Valley East Magazine May/June 2019 Issue 102

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H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley East

RECRUITING NOW IN THIS ISSUE

Summer Camp Special Plus

Win 4 tickets to Legoland® Windsor Resort

Issue 102 May/June 2019

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Diana Page

01235 533362 • 07747 086518

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2 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

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In this issue...

3-7 News & Information

EDUCATION

8-9 Education News 11 The future of work 12 Choosing a tutor

PARENTING

13 How to encourage a love of music in your child 14 Teaching children to be kind

SUMMER CAMPS

...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

........From the Editors........

It’s the final school term of the year already and for many that means planning for the summer holidays. In this issue of Families you will find our Summer Camps Directory on pages 16-19, where there are options to suit all children, from theatre school workshops to sports classes.

Also, don’t miss the chance to win a family day out at Legoland® on our competition page on page 21. As usual we also have our plethora of education and parenting articles to help you through the maze of parenthood!

Happy Summer Planning,

16-19 Local Summer camps and classes guide 20 PARENTING - How to help your child make friends 21 COMPETITIONS

22-26 WHAT’S ON

Thames Valley East

PARENTING

To advertise here call: 01628 788058

28 Kids Tech Time - the Unknown Hidden Danger 29 Encouraging Independence 30 Once the children have gone to school 31 SHE MEANS BUSINESS

www.familiesonline.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors: Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,500 next issue: July/August 2019 due out: June 24, featuring: Summer Holiday Fun!

T: 01628 788058 Copy/advertising deadline: May 24 Cover image: depositphotos.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

DASH launch new website supporting those suffering abuse DASH support anyone suffering from any kind of abuse from partners, ex partners or family members. Pregnancy is often a time when abuse and controlling behaviour within an abusive relationship can escalate. Many couples think that having a baby can make things better - but if your relationship is abusive, it is likely to do the opposite, so it is crucial that you get help and support.

Domestic abuse is not just physical – it can include many more subtle behaviours such as control over finances, isolating you from sources of support, conflict around child contact if you are separated from your partner.

DASH provides confidential advice and practical help for anyone living within The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead or South Buckinghamshire – please visit their new website to find their services www.thedashcharity.org.uk or call: 01753 549865 to speak to someone who can help. Please don’t suffer in silence.

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4-18 year olds

Find out more today: ASCOT 01344 206466 stagecoach.co.uk/ascot

HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe

BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth

MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow

WINDSOR 01932 988086 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

®

Creative Courage For Life

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Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

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News & Info Little feet can make a big difference this June Children, families and nurseries are being called on to put their best foot forward as Barnardo’s Big Toddle returns to raise money for vulnerable children.

Last year’s fundraiser raised an incredible £231,512 and saw thousands of under-fives take part in short, sponsored “toddles” to raise money for the UK’s largest children’s charity, which supports more than 301,000 children, young people,

parents and carers across the UK. This year’s Big Toddle Week is animal-themed and returns from 24 – 30th June. Those who register by May 20 will receive a Big Toddle pack containing information and fundraising ideas. To register to hold your own Big Toddle, or for further information, visit www.bigtoddle.org.uk or call 0800 008 7005.

Need to run some errands? The Jelly Lounge crèche now offers flexible childcare

If you’re looking for a place to drop the kids whilst you get your hair done, go for a long lunch or a much needed shopping trip without the little ones in tow, The Jelly Lounge is offering flexible childcare in the heart of Windsor with their new crèche!

With no deposit or registration fee to pay and a soon to be launched onsite work space for parents, the crèche is perfect for those with children under 5 years old and there is also a holiday club available for

older siblings.

No commitment, super flexible and totally guilt free 52 weeks of the year.

So much more than just a soft play, The Jelly Lounge is centred around it’s family friendly award winning restaurant and offers a whole host of activities and events all year round.

Pop in for more information, email creche@thejellylounge.co.uk or call 01753 290175

Foster Care Fortnight - You Can Make a Difference Foster Care Fortnight™ runs from 13 to 26 May and is the UK’s biggest foster carer awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.

The campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. It demonstrates that ‘foster care transforms lives’- not just the lives of the young people who are fostered, but also those of foster carers and their families and friends. Undoubtedly fostering is challenging but there are

tremendous rewards including making a positive difference to a vulnerable child or young person, opportunities to expand skills through training courses, the chance to develop relationships that can last a lifetime and generous financial incentives. The satisfaction and pride in helping a young person with difficulties develop into a rounded individual is the ultimate reward for the majority of foster carers.

For more information, visit www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/c ouldyoufoster

Before School, After School & Holiday clubs

Phone 01628 620013 Arts & crafts, sports, dance, drama, cinema, swimming, day trips…optional lunch & tea

Holiday, Breakfast & After School clubs 3 – 14yrs Holiday clubs > Highfield School, Maidenhead > Jumpin, Slough After school clubs > Courthouse > Oldfield > Furze Platt Schools > Holyport Scout Hut, Maidenhead Breakfast club > Pinkneys Green Centre > St. Peters Church, Maidenhead

Now taking bookings for Sept After School and Breakfast Clubs

Summer club dates 22nd July - 30 August 2019 Quality childcare from just £3.15 per hour E: info@wiseowlschildcare.co.uk W: www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk

4 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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News & Info The Look Out Discovery Centre announce their new Insect Enclosure This new forestry themed exhibit is home to a whole range of wild insects, amphibians and reptiles.

Among the host of animals housed in the enclosure you will discover: hissing cockroaches, giant millipedes, African land snails, giant prickly stick insects, black beauty stick insects, a marine toad, a corn snake and leafcutter ants.

The animal exhibit is labelled with fun facts about the creatures so that children can see what they are and learn a little about each one.

The Insect Enclosure is open now and included in the Discovery Centre’s entrance ticket. For more information visit www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/leisure-services/lookout-discovery-centre

Make it hot, hot, hot The only dedicated UK Cheese and Chilli Festival will be coming to Maidenhead for the first time this year, taking place at Maidenhead Town Moor over the weekend of Saturday June 22nd and Sunday June 23rd 10am to 5pm.

A fantastic family friendly, fun-filled event spiced up with all things cheese and chilli. The two days will

be packed with a whole host of tasty treats, amazing entertainment, live music, local ales & produce, cooking demos and fiery food competitions for those that can handle the heat.

Children under 16 go free. Free Parking. For more details go to www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

Why I love teaching Perform holiday courses Perform Producer, Gemma Payne, tells Families why she loves running Perform’s drama, dance and singing holiday courses.

Holidays should be fun and my job is to take the children on a magical adventure they will remember. Together, we work on songs, dances and character and it's a joy to see the quieter ones come out of their shell and the bubbly ones become focused on learning song lyrics and lines.

On the last day, there's a show for friends and family and the parents are so surprised and proud when they see what their child has

achieved. The children’s faces light up when they hear the applause and they know they’ve done a good job as they run to their families for a cuddle. It's a busy week but the feeling when you've put together something memorable and entertaining for the parents is just magical. I suspect most of the children won’t ever forget it either!

Perform Wizard of Oz holiday course runs 5-9 August 10am to 3pm at Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Parsonage Lane, Windsor SL4 5EW. Visit perform.org.uk/holidays for full details.

11+ Mock Tests

Slough Grammars (CEM 11+) When: Saturday 6th July 2019 Saturday 17th Aug 2019 Where: Langley Academy, Langley Road, Slough SL3 7EF Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Fee: From £25.00 per paper including detailed feedback.

BOOK NOW - www.mocktestmasters.co.uk ✔ Detailed feedback report on your child’s strengths & weaknesses ✔ Access to mock test questions and answers ✔ Answer sheets returned ✔ In excess of 25,000 pupils have taken our tests

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Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 5

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News & Info Learning Life-saving skills to become compulsory Beginning in 2020, all state schools in England will be required to teach “life-saving skills” under new plans for health education announced by the Government.

According to draft guidelines released by the Department of Education, primary school children are set to learn basic first aid, as well as steps they can take to protect and support the health and wellbeing of others, including calling emergency services.

Children age 5 years will learn basic

first aid and children as young as 11 years will be shown CPR at school.

"Learning the basic skills of first aid and techniques like CPR will give young people the confidence to know that they can step in to help someone else in need and in the most extreme cases - it could potentially save a life” announced Education Secretary, Damian Hinds.

More info visit: www.gov.uk/government/news

Jump into your PJs with BookTrust on 7th June 2019 On Friday 7th June, BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, are encouraging everyone to put on their PJs and donate £1 to BookTrust so that no child misses out on the magic of the bedtime story.

All monies raised during the Pyjamarama campaign will go towards funding BookTrust’s work in supporting more families. For just £25, BookTrust could provide 15 pre-school children living in women’s refuge centres with their own book pack.

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To Advertise here call: 01628 788058

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Children who don’t have access to books and stories in the early years start school a year behind their peers, a gap that widens as they

get older. The charity have enlisted the help of some of the nation’s best-loved book characters including Matilda, Horrid Henry, Tracy Beaker and Ben and Holly.

Diana Gerald, CEO, BookTrust said: “We want to make sure that no child misses out on the life changing benefits of a bedtime story. Wearing pyjamas all day is a wonderful way to show support for reading, and importantly, it’s incredibly easy for schools, nurseries, children and busy parents!”

To sign up for your free Pyjamarama fundraising pack visit www.booktrust.org.uk/pyjamarama

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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Established in 1980

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Where children are motivated to learn independently

A UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOL & NURSERY

WINDSOR MONTESSORI o SCHOOL

WINDSOR MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN NO 4 DATCHET ROAD

Recent Ofsted inspection:

(OPPOSITE THE WINDSOR FARM SHOP)

OUTSTANDING in all areas

OLD WINDSOR SL4 2RQ

HOME PARK, ROMNEY LOCK ROAD, WINDSOR SL4 6HX

01753 830525 • 6 months to 6 years.

• Baby, toddler, parent session

01753 868399 • 2 years to 6 years.

• 30 hours limited spaces for RBWM children from Sept 19.

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.

to include ‘Music with Mummy’ with Fran Briscoe.

• We accept 15 hours funding

and limited 30 hours funding.

E

www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk

Out of school hours: 01344 844592 • E: menik@windsor-montessori.com

6 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

DISCOVER • EXPERIEICE • TRANSFORM

Discover ancient techniques for modern day living Experience physical and psychological well being Transform yourself and live an extraordinary life

Transformational Workshops - with Tara Mehmet Health & Postive Self image -

2 July 2019, 7.00pm - 9.00pm The Acre, Donnelly House, Victoria Street, Berkshire, SL4 1EN

Personal & Professional Relationships -

13 Sept 2019, 10am - 12 noon The Acre, Donnelly House, Victoria Street, Berkshire, SL4 1EN

3 Steps to a Happier, Healthier Mind -

23 Sept 2019, 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Ascot Heath Primary School, 2 Rhododdendron Walk, Ascot SL5 8PN

Fee: £20

Contact: events@ukpranichealing.co.uk www.ukpranichealing.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

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It’s official!

Our readers prefer Magazine to the internet!

L

ast year, we conducted a survey across the UK asking readers to tell us what they find useful about our magazine and how likely they would be to respond to advertising in it.

We were delighted to receive almost 500 responses and by the wonderful feedback you gave us.

More than 70% of our readers said they were highly likely to respond to advertising in our magazine or had already done so. That’s fabulous news for our advertisers and for our readers, because it means we can carry on making the magazine better and better!

A whopping 79% of readers told us that they use the magazine to research ideas for local family activities or classes and clubs for children and an equally impressive 74% said they use it to plan family life.

Many of you also told us that you find it easier to plan family activities and entertainment using Families Magazine than using the internet!

You told us that using the internet to research and plan can be time consuming and confusing, involving lots of trawling online for useful information.

A common complaint seems to be the “endless trawling” that digital research involves.

A typical response came from a reader* in Iver who says ‘It’s so much better to have a mag in front of you rather than searching the internet for ideas of what to do with the children’ Readers also told us that they really value having a physical magazine in their hands in which all the information relevant to family life has already been collated and is presented to them in an easy-todigest format.

Thames Valley East

A typical response came from a reader in Cox Green who said ‘I'm sat here with a pen and a yellow highlighter going through the magazine with a fine tooth comb, planning, making notes of what's on and what I think my two boys would enjoy doing’ and a reader in Slough agreed ‘It saves time with all the listings being in one place - I can literally go through that and my diary at the same time jotting down all the things we want to do as a family’.

We were also really happy that large numbers of you reported that

Families Magazine makes your lives easier and less stressful and saves you time.

Thank you to everyone that volunteered their comments.

If you are interested in taking part in one of our Reader Forums, please email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your name, phone number and postcode. *Readers names have not been quoted for privacy reasons

Open Events and Headteacher Tour

Summer Term 2019

__________________________________

Open Events and Headteacher Tours are a fantastic way to see the school in action, to meet our Headteacher, Joanna Leach and all our staff.

For girls from 3 - 11 years.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Open Events

Friday 3rd May 2019 9.30am

Friday 28th June 2019 9.30am

Headteacher Tour

Friday 7th June 2019 9.30am

_________________________________________________

To book your place call 01628 624918 Or email office@highfieldprep.org www.highfieldprep.org

Connect

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Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

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Education News Windsor Montessori School to offer 30 hours funding The Windsor Montessori school was started in 1980 in Windsor, due to the request of four local parents who were searching for an alternative system of education for their children. They researched the Montessori system of education and realised the value it had in supporting children to be independent, confident learners that would enable them to become responsible citizens of the world.

Owner Menik Ellawala commented “It is these first parents who found this building and with their support I opened the Windsor Montessori School for their children and my own. After 39 years, the school still operates from the same building”.

The school is now offering a limited number of 30 hours funded places from September for children living in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. If you would like to visit Windsor Montessori School there are open days on Wed 15th May, Sat 8th June or Wed 10th July. Contact 01753 868399. For Windsor Montessori House of Children you can visit on Fri 10th May, Sat 18th May, Sat 22nd June or Fri 5th July. Contact 01753 830535.

Marie Redmond explain 11+ Mock Exams

Touch typing offers a life skill and assists learning in children of all abilities Yvonne Thomas, a qualified Spld teacher who teaches structured touch typing, tells us how a skill like this can help children of all abilities in their learning.

She says, “Many children and young adults can be challenged to get their ideas down quickly when writing in the classroom or in exams.” She then goes on to explain, “Not only is touch typing with accuracy and speed a key life skill in itself, it also reinforces working memory, muscle memory and can build a pupil’s confidence. Vocabulary and spelling skills are also enhanced as touch typing is a multi-sensory way of learning where students see, hear and type each word”.

Yvonne introduces keys sequentially using Phonics too. For some eligible children, competence in typing can lead to use of a computer keyboard during exams and in class, which can help greatly with confidence and results. As well as weekly courses, Yvonne offers intensive holiday courses which are nine hours over three days and run from a dedicated classroom, with access to outside space based in Maidenhead. If you think your child may benefit from this approach, contact Yvonne on 07929 528642 or visit www.dttts.co.uk

Marie Redmond Tuition® 11 Plus Mock Exams are 100% original and prepare students for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (GL Assessment), Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools, Reading & Kendrick 11 Plus tests (CEM). Every paper is unique, with no questions repeated. The mock exams take place in carefully selected venues, with real exam conditions. Parents receive personalised feedback within 48 hours and they will share every question your child answered incorrectly, together with detailed explanations from Marie Redmond MEd. The exam papers are adapted annually after feedback sessions with students about their real 11 Plus tests. Students who sat their mocks in 2018 reported that they were extremely similar to the actual exams. www.marieredmond.co.uk 01494 956 809

Wise Owls Nursery School is up and running in Farnham Royal Based in Farnham Royal Village hall, the nursery school caters for children aged 2-5 years old in a thriving, educational setting. They provide a fun, caring and stimulating environment for children in the nursery with a wide range of play opportunities for the children, which are both adult and child led.

The nursery staff, headed up by Vicky Bourne, prides itself in developing each child’s individual abilities and preparing them with top quality skills for life in a structured learning environment. The nursery is open term time and from 8.00am – 6.00pm. They also have a flexible service whereby parents can access their 15 and 30 hours funding plus add extra sessions on top within their opening hours. They are now taking bookings for the Summer and Autumn term and encourage parents to book a ‘show around’ before their child attends. www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk / 01628 620013 / info@wiseowlschildcare.co.uk

11+ mock test tips for the discerning parent SPECIALIST TOUCH TYPE HOLIDAY COURSES TO SUIT ALL LEARNING STYLES Dedicated classroom in Maidenhead (near J8/9 of M4) • 3 hours tuition for 3 days - structured approach to develop muscle memory, accuracy and speed • 2 teachers / small class to promote rapid learning • Specialist skills to support all learners inc. Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia or Dyslexia • Specialised software which reinforces understanding of vocabulary and spelling • Keys introduced sequentially following a phonics program • Multi-sensory learning - students see, hear and type each word

YVONNE THOMAS • 07929 528642 • www.dttts.co.uk Cert Ed, SpLd Level 5, Literacy/Numeracy, ADD/ADHD Coach

8 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

By Mock Test Masters, specialist providers of 11plus mock tests.

With the 11+ exams fast approaching, many children will be sitting mock tests to fine-tune their exam skills. Here are 5 important points to consider.

BOOK EARLY - The demand for tests in July and August is always high.

Secure your child’s place in advance with a reputable provider.

BOOK SEVERAL TESTS – There are many providers of 11+ mock tests, so it is worth booking with several to expose your child to a different approach.

ACT ON FEEDBACK – Read and act on the feedback provided to improve your child’s chances of gaining a grammar school place.

REVIEW PAPERS – Go through your child’s incorrect answers and ensure they learn how to tackle the questions correctly.

DO NOT DESPAIR – A mock test is only a trial test. If your child performs badly, do not despair and treat it as good practise.

Visit www.mocktestmasters.com familiesonline.co.uk

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Positive Discipline With family and work life busier than ever, a barrage of parenting techniques to choose from and the added pressure of everyone else’s kids behaving better than yours…..finding discipline strategies that really work and avoiding the trap of inconsistent parenting (the kind that fluctuates between overly permissive and overly authoritarian) can be a source of frustration and stress for many of us.

For nearly thirty years, Jane Nelsen (distinguished psychologist, educator and mother of seven), has built on the wisdom and research of others to find a solution. Known as Positive Discipline, this approach has become the gold standard in a common sense style of parenting that relies on principles that work instead of theories that don’t. It includes a number of different techniques that, used in combination, can lead to more effective ways for parents (and teachers) to manage children’s behaviour.

Head teacher Serena Gunn was one of the first to introduce parent workshops in Positive Discipline and manages a school that has embedded this approach into its practice. As a highly experienced lecturer in child development and parent herself, ex school inspector, parent coach and Head teacher, Serena, has seen first-hand the difference that Positive Discipline can make to families.

‘Adopting Positive Discipline as a way of life has made a tremendous difference to my approach with children. Instead of anger, frustration and blame, my default has become one that focuses on collaboration and problem solving. Adopting a Positive Discipline approach to daily parenting struggles, provides long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. It teaches children important life skills, encourages them to think for themselves, develop essential problem solving skills that they need to become happy and contributing members of society and have greater respect for themselves and others.’

Positive Discipline focuses on positive points of behaviour in order to motivate children to do better and not feel worse. Good behaviour is reinforced and negative behaviours eliminated without resorting to shouting, bribing and punishment. As Serena points out, this does not mean ignoring bad behaviours but rather being able to deal with them in a mutually respectful and encouraging way that uses kindness and firmness simultaneously.

‘Kindness is essential when disciplining children if we want to be an influence on their behaviour and model respect. Firmness, is needed out of respect for us as parents and the needs of the situation.’

Top Tips: • Understand the meaning behind children’s behaviour so that you can respond to it and not react to it.

• Focus on controlling yourself and not your child.

• Be consistent and follow through with what you say.

• When dealing with misbehaviour, consider what children are thinking, feeling, learning, and deciding about themselves, about you and about their world. This can often stop us in our tracks!

Positive Discipline Workshops for Parents are held at Meadowbrook School in Warfield on a regular basis. Visit www.meadowbrook.uk for further information. School Inset training or workshops for teachers are also provided upon request.

Supporting our children’s positive mental health Our children are living in an increasingly competitive, complex and technologically evolving world, with the presence of the internet and social media having changed the way in which we interact with each other and the world. Looking after our children’s mental health has never been more important.

Our aim as parents and teachers must be to nurture emotional skills in children that promote resilience and selfconfidence to navigate the academic and social challenges ahead and make positive life choices. By building emotional literacy children develop an internal ‘tool kit’ which enables them to understand and regulate themselves and build empathy towards others.

With this is mind, here are some tips to support your child: Encourage your child to talk and share how they are feeling. Spend regular quality time with them, asking questions and listening without judgement. Encourage them to ask for help from a trusted friend or teacher when they need to.

Help your child understand that life is full of ups and downs and that making mistakes and failing is a normal part of life and integral to how we learn. Help them to listen to their inner coach not their inner critic.

familiesonline.co.uk

Use creative activities to help your child make sense of their feelings. At any age children may not have the words to say how they feel and so encourage them to draw or write down difficult feelings.

It’s okay to not be okay, everyone has good days and bad. Think of ways together to help your child identify the things that help them feel positive. Make a list of ‘self-care’ strategies such as going to the park, reading a book, listening to a favourite song.

Encourage your child to be active, eat healthily and get enough sleep. These are the top three rules for staying healthy mentally and physically.

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

If you are concerned about your child’s mood or behaviour then always see your GP for professional advice.

Schools are increasingly recognising the vital role required in early education and intervention. At Upton House School our aim has always been to foster a happy, healthy and stimulating environment in which every child can prosper socially and emotionally alongside academic success. It is important to provide regular opportunities for children to talk and express themselves with their form teacher or designated Wellbeing Co-ordinator. In many schools, practical classrooms activities such as worry monsters and kindness jars encourage self-expression. Pupil led ‘Wellbeing councils’ can promote activities throughout the school.

Communication with parents is key and information and resources should be accessible.

Anna Hewitt is Mental Health and Wellbeing Co-Ordinator from Upton House School in Windsor. She is a passionate campaigner for wellbeing in young people and a busy, working single-parent with three active children. www.uptonhouse.org.uk

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Independent Prep School & Nursery Girls 3-11 years and Boys 3-7 years

Open Morning Wednesday 8 May | Tuesday 4 June Friday 21 June |

Valley End, Chobham, GU24 Near Windlesham, Sunningdale and Virginia Water 01276 855707

www.coworthflexlands.co.uk 10 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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It is exciting when your child heads off to school for the first time. What will their first day be like? What will spark their interest? The goal of school is to give your child the necessary tools and skills to enter our grown-up world and ultimately find a job, but what kind of job will that be?

The Future of Work What can we do to prepare our Children?

By Gabrielle Nash

So if your child seems like they’re not excelling in traditional measures of excellence, don’t panic. Instead focus on developing their other skills and exploring all pathways. A child who is behind on Maths and English might, in fact, have fantastic potential people skills. If they’re empathetic and kind, or adaptable and able to find solutions, that could take them further than their academic ability and give them the foundation to tackle a myriad of roles in the future.

What Type of Jobs?

Naturally our images of the future workplace are dominated by artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. Whilst it is predicted that the “march of the robots” will remove a quarter of jobs, experts believe that the future of AI is not to replace humans but to change what humans are capable of.

Interactive Scientific, a British software company, believes that we can teach children key skills like good communication, persistence and problem solving, all before knowing what future technologies will look like. These skills will be vital for our children to navigate an unpredictable jobs market. familiesonline.co.uk

1. Interpersonal and communication skills are vital, because the human factor in a job will still be valuable 2. The ability to adapt is crucial.

One set of skills will not last 20 years, so teaching a child to be resilient and comfortable with change will help them to continuously learn and evolve.

The world of work is undergoing a transformation and future careers will look very different to those of today. Many of the jobs our children will do don’t currently exist, just as the top ten jobs in 2011 didn’t exist in 2004. As new technologies explode onto the scene, new job opportunities are created. According to Randstad, it is estimated that today’s students will have 10 to 14 jobs before their 38th birthday!

Just as our parents had never heard of job titles like “social media manager” or “app developer” neither can we as parents fathom what our children might grow up to do. Redundant is the traditional question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Our children will need to keep an open mind about their career path. Predicting what jobs will be in demand is difficult. They could perhaps include biomedical engineers creating artificial organs; interpreters (a growth industry despite automated translation tools becoming popular); or new healthcare roles looking after our increasing number of over-65s. All of these industries we know have a future.

because machines will do that very well); instead it’s more personal or “soft” skills that will help our children excel. The key things to remember are:

For more from Gabrielle Nash, read her blog @londonishmum What Can You Do to Prepare Your Child?

However good an education your child is receiving, there are very few establishments with a futureproof curriculum, one that can wholly offer the development of skills needed for getting a job in 15 to 20 years’ time.

This is perhaps why more and more emphasis could be placed on vocational education. The Edge Foundation works on developing the future of education. They argue that old certainties like a university degree will no longer guarantee a job. Edge Chief Executive Alice Barnard believes “We need to support young people to capitalize on their creativity, develop the problem-solving, communication and team-working skills that employers are crying out for.”

Whilst, as parents, we might think that giving our kids a head start with coding, for example, will equip them with the kind of skills they will need for the future, this is surprisingly not the case.

Surprisingly, whilst fostering a curiosity about technology and digital fluency is paramount, gaining complex skills like coding is not the recipe for success (partly

OPEN MORNINGS

Thursday 9th May, 9.30am - 11.00am Thursday 27th June, 9.30am - 11.00am Herries, an exclusive co-ed prep school and nursery in Cookham Dean, developing confident, well rounded and reflec ve learners.

• Small class sizes & tailored teaching (Nursery to 11 years) • Cross curricular enrichment • Timetabled LAMDA & instrumental lessons • New music centre • New outdoor learning area • Woodland school in Quarry Woods • Sports at Bisham Abbey, Na onal Sports Centre

Welcome from Fiona Long, Headmistress. Guided tour by pupils. Sign up at: www.herries.org.uk/Open-Morning Herries Preparatory School Dean Lane, Cookham Dean, Berkshire SL6 9BD 01628 483350 | admissions@herries.org.uk | www.herries.org.uk

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Education

Choosing a Tutor – a TTA Guide It may surprise you to learn that it is estimated that there are more than 100,000 tutors in the UK; indeed, some estimates put the number at nearer 250,000.

I

t may also surprise you to learn that the profession is entirely unregulated; anyone can set themselves up as a tutor.

So what should you be looking for? What makes a good tutor?

What questions should you be asking to ensure that you select the best tutor for your child? Is hiring a tutor even a good idea in the first place?

Let’s take a look at some of these questions in more depth.

Is hiring a tutor a good option?

The most common picture of a tutor presented in the media is of some kind of hired gun who will force-feed your child what he or she needs to know in order to pass a test or exam. Whilst this type of tutoring may exist, it is neither the

best reason for hiring a tutor, nor will you get the most out of either the tutor or your child if this is the sole basis for the exercise.

What a good tutor will do is to provide your child with learning skills that are fully transferable to other topics and other subjects.

The passing of a test or an exam is a short-term manifestation of how successfully this has been achieved, but it is not the ultimate goal of a good tuition process. A good tutor will inspire, motivate and instil confidence as much as teach.

Is having a teaching background any guide to whether or not someone is a good tutor?

The things that make a good teacher and a good tutor are, at root, being passionate about a

12 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

subject; being able to communicate that passion effectively and actually liking working with children. If someone has these skills, then they will be a good teacher or tutor (and many teachers are, of course, both anyway). Having undergone formal training may make them a better teacher – but it won’t make someone an effective teacher in the first place. A tutor without these basic skills will not survive long in the profession.

So, assuming you’ve decided a tutor is a good idea, what other considerations are there?

In today’s world, you need to be as sure as possible that you are minimising any risk to your child.

There is no legal requirement for a tutor even to have passed a DBS check, let alone be signed up to any sort of code of conduct… …unless, that is, you choose a tutor who is a member of The Tutors’ Association (TTA). This professional membership body was set up partly to address this very issue. A member of TTA has to have passed a DBS check, and have it verified every three years. They also sign up to a professional code of conduct and to TTA’s Child Protection Policy. They also have to provide references. If you’ve found a tutor through a tutoring agency that is a member of TTA, their own terms and conditions relating to tutors should mirror or exceed those of TTA. You can check whether a tutor or agency is a registered member by contacting TTA, or going on their website.

So, what should you expect of your chosen tutor when it comes to the nitty-gritty of the engagement?

First, you should expect the tutor to agree the objectives and goals of the assignment with you. Make sure these goals are clear and that you both agree on the measures of success; but don’t expect the tutor to guarantee unconditional success. No-one can do that and if that is offered, you should probably be looking at finding someone else.

Knowing the material, having the resources and being up-to-date with the syllabus are givens. As is arriving on time.

You should expect regular feedback in the form of written and/or verbal reports. Agree this with the tutor and expect and encourage it to be completely honest. You should see a growing rapport between your child and the tutor. The process of learning is not automatically instant and can sometimes be challenging. You should see the tutor instilling selfbelief, building confidence and reassuring your child that it is ok to make mistakes and to learn from them. You need to adopt the same attitude too. You and your tutor should feel part of a team supporting your child, willing them towards success.

Finally, when the tuition goals have been met, tuition should come to an end. Tuition should not become a crutch; a tutor’s best goal is to make themselves redundant having passed on all that they can, leaving behind a confident child with new, lifelong, portable learning skills. familiesonline.co.uk

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How to Encourage a Love of Music in Your Child

L

isten to the stories of successful young musicians today and they will tell you that they got involved with classical music, in large part, because they were exposed to it from an early age.

It sounds obvious doesn’t it? Yet no two musical ‘journeys’ are the same and there are many different starting points.

Cellist and former BBC Young Musician of the Year, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, says that it was experiencing live music that really spurred him on (though having five equally talented siblings learning music must have helped too!)

For 10 year old multiinstrumentalist, Nathan-Asher Oriakhi, it was watching the drummer in his local church band every week and finally being allowed to sit next to him. Adrianna Forbes-Dorant first became aware of classical music because Classic FM was always on the radio at home.

The reality, of course, is that most musicians are unlikely to even remember their first exposure to music because, as the evidence clearly shows, the process of responding to music starts before we are even born. After just 25 weeks a foetus has a functioning auditory system and can respond to sound, for example, by jumping or kicking in response to a very loud noise.

So how do you as parents or parents-to-be, nurture your child’s relationship with music?

The British Association for Early Childhood Education has done some great work in this area, showing how parental support for their child’s musical development is underpinned by two simple but vital principles: positive relationships and enabling environments.

Beyond giving warmth and love, relationships which encourage a child’s musical development are

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Parenting

By Jon Flinn

sensitive and responsive to the child’s needs, feelings and interests. For example, giving them access to a variety of music to hear and play, but acknowledging the child’s own tastes. They’re also about supporting the child’s own efforts to express themselves and being consistent in setting clear boundaries.

Creating enabling environments is about making sure that your child – whatever age – has access to appropriate stimulating resources which are relevant to a range of children’s cultures and communities, has rich opportunities to learn through play and playful teaching and is free to take risks and explore through music.

There are dozens of great tips on their website (www.earlyeducation.org.uk) – everything from copying children’s vocalisations to show that you hear and value them to using recording devices and creating ‘treasure baskets’ with items that the youngest babies can shake, scrunch or tap.

The ABRSM is the world’s leading provider of music exams and an organisation which has spent 130 years inspiring the musical achievement of young people. It is currently looking for music learners ages 7 to 18 and their

parents from a wide range of backgrounds to take part in a series of online discussions, polls and surveys. If you are interested, register online at www.abrsm.org/parentslearners

When it comes to developing your children’s relationship with music, you can’t start early enough – which is why it’s such great news that, when it comes into effect in 2020, the new National Plan for Music Education will lower the age of children targeted from the current 5/6 years to nursery age.

It’s also why the national Music Commission (www.musiccommission.org.uk) focusses, in part, on the role that parents (whether they are musical or not) can play in their children’s learning. The Learn Music London (www.learnmusic.london) resource can also help parents in London find teachers and local support.

There’s lots that government and agencies like ABRSM can do to help support children to learn to develop their musical skills, but nothing is more important to a child’s musical development than the support of their parents.

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

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Parenting

Everyday ways to teach your child to be kind By Angela Cox

W

e know that children absorb information like sponges and this includes mimicking the behaviours and actions of others. Everywhere we look we see acts of terror and violence and the new age of online trolling is rife. So how do we prioritise kindness and teach our children ways to tune into their natural empathy and consider the feelings of others?

Here’s my top eight tips for encouraging kindness in our children: Fingers on Lips A lovely rule to teach children is the adage ‘if you don’t have something nice to say, it’s better to say nothing at all.’ I encourage my children to place an index finger onto their lips which provides a physical barrier to stop unkind words passing their lips. They always giggle at this.

We chat about the impact unkind words have on others before focussing on the positive and discussing how nice it feels to say kind things.

Be a Role Model Don’t let your child hear you saying unkind words. It’s so easy to be judgemental without thinking. You might be in a supermarket and passing comment about a stranger’s outfit for example or criticising a poor driver on the dual carriage way. Your child will hear your comments and believe it is acceptable to copy this. Be aware of your own language and make a conscious effort to say positive and kind things.

Kind Hands and Happy Feet Kids can develop poor habits around physical contact with other children and kicking or hitting often occurs as a way of communicating negative feelings if they become frustrated. Help your children understand that kind hands and happy feet should not be used to hurt others and discuss the ways hands and feet can be used to help people instead.

Respect for People Teaching children to have lovely manners, thanking people who help them such as shop assistants and to use kind words when describing people, will ensure your child is kind and considerate. Walking the walk is crucial in this instance so always be courteous and remember your own please and thank you responses.

Ask not Tell Treating children with respect by asking them to do things rather than telling them will cultivate a happier and kinder home. Using the words ‘would you mind’ at the start of a question and ‘please’ at the end is a proven way to engage children in a task and much kinder than demanding things be done. Setting this example will rub off on your children!

learn the value of giving without receiving, it will stand them in good stead. The ultimate way to do this is to carry out kindness acts without being detected, such as planting a pound coin for a stranger to find. Children get so excited thinking about who might find the pound and what they might spend it on.

Being kind feels good. It helps children focus on the positive and develop strong relationships with others. A smile goes a long way too.

Angela Cox is an inspiring mindset-mentor and creator of The Happy Path Journal (£10.99) a book for 6 to 10 year olds which helps them learn self-care.

For more information, visit www.angela-cox.co.uk

Gratitude Practice gratitude as a family. This can be done on the school run, over dinner or whilst having breakfast. Ask your child to think of one nonmaterial thing they are grateful for and why. It might be that they were able to play football in the park after school or that the sun was shining.

Include yourself in the activity and give reasons you are thankful too. Gratitude is linked to increased happiness and a happy home is a kinder one.

Saying Thank You Motivate your child to send handwritten notes or cards when s/he receives a gift or goes to a friend’s house for dinner. Encouraging children to thank people for the nice things that they do develops a kind nature and grateful heart.

Random Acts of kindness Engage your children in carrying out acts of kindness such as leaving a drink and a snack on the doorstep for the postman or sweeping the leaves from a neighbour’s porch. If children can

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5.15

6

PROUDLY ANNOUNCING OUR SUMMER SCHOOLS 2019 ON STAGE HOLIDAY WEEKS NOW IN THEIR 51st YEAR! At Redroofs, Littlewick Green Country House, SL6 3QY • Optional Daily Swimming in our heated outdoor pool • Miniature Theatre and Country Gardens

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SATURDAY ALL DAY TRAINING SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL, EVENING AND TRAINING CLASSES

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My Mummy Says I'm a Miracle Matilda Week!

Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd August for ages 6-13+

MUSICAL THEATRE SCHOOL

A Little Light Fantastic - Mary Poppins Returns Week!

Monday 5th - Friday 9th August for ages 7-13+ years Don't Just Fly, Soar into Disney 'Dumbo' Week!

Monday 12th - Friday 16th August for ages7-13+ years A Little Light Fantastic - Mary Poppins Returns Week!

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd August for ages 7-13+ years

DANCE TRAINING PROGRAMME (ISTD & RAD) • RAD BALLET • ISTD MODERN • • ISTD TAP • ACRO, TUMBLING AND TRICKS • DRAMA PROGRAMME LITTLE STAR PERFORMERS

Trolls, Rainbows and Unicorns Week!

Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th August for ages 4.5-9 years

BABY BALLET ADULT TAP

Start your child'S redroofS Performing artS adventure | www.redroofs.co.uk 26 Bath road, maidenhead, Sl6 4Jt and littlewick green, maidenhead Sl6 3Qy | tel: 01628 674092 | email: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk

classes held

Every Sunday at 5.30 pm maidenhead club the magnet leisure centre (Upstairs Studio) Holmanleaze Berkshire SL6 8AW

No special clothing required.

Ladies, gentlemen and children welcome.

Families welcome minimum age 4 years.

Tel: 07709 327274 or 01753 882012 email: tiska.karate@btconnect.com

All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Certificates

www.tiska.com familiesonline.co.uk

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Holiday Camp Special If you’re starting to plan your summer holidays, we take a look at some of the best children’s camps, classes and activities available in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Some are already booking for the May Half-Term.

Amanda’s Art Classes for small groups of children aged 7–12. Amanda will be running May Half-Term and Summer art workshops in Ascot 10-12am and 2-4pm; call 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details. www.amandasart.co.uk Artspiration Art School, run regular term time classes for children ages 5 to 16 and after school clubs. Summer Holiday clubs booking now. We also offer 1 to 1 classes and scholarship prep. Introducing our new adult classes and events (all profits to local charity).

For more details go to www.artspiration.co.uk or email artspirationinfo@gmail.com

With a variety of 5 day courses running weekdays from 9.30am-5pm your child can learn to kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, dinghy sail and windsurf. They can work towards one sport or gain essential skills in a variety of sports. Courses are suitable for 8-15 years with sibling discounts available. Course prices include wetsuits, buoyancy aids and all 5-day courses include relevant RYA and BC log-books and certificates. 5-day courses: £270 info@braylake.com 01628 638860;www.braylake.com

Bray Lake Watersports are offering their everpopular school holiday activities again this year.

Busy Buttons Creative Wellbeing Camp offers 3 -14 year olds fun with great hands-on experience. With a focus on art, children are exposed to 2D and 3D art, sewing, traditional crafts and more whilst being tutored by professional creative educators from the film and television industry. Educational day trips, team building and confidence boosting challenges, yoga, sports, nutrition, fitness and customised insights by professionals, give children a diverse, whole experience. One 11 year old camp enthusiast says: "I enjoy Busy Buttons. It is the best holiday club I've been to in my whole life. I hope I come back soon because I've learnt so much." The camps are held at Busy Buttons Design Centre 28-31 May & 15 July to 30 August, 8:30am - 4pm

Amanda‛s Art Classes

Drawing, Painting, Collage and Fun A fun introduction to ballet for 2-4 year olds Register online at www.twinkletotsdance.com Classes in Sunningdale,Windsor, Warfield, Burnham and Bracknell RAD ballet grades from Age 5+ Why not try a themed birthday party for your son or daughter!

near Ascot

after School and Holidays for small groups of children ages 7-12

Adult Classes for beginners

Amanda Kavanagh B.A.Hons., P.G.Dip tel 01344 885086 mob 07968 824560

www.amandasart.co.uk a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk

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Summer Camps (extended hours 8am - 6pm) Siblings & RBWM Advantage Card discount and more. 07952418212 / 0800 101 8332 www.busybuttons.org Hands-On Art Adventures in Old Windsor: creativity for all ages & abilities. Pop-in anytime to decorate our wide range of ceramics with paint or foam clay.

Plus Holiday Workshops: Canvas, Clay & Story + Potters Wheel experiences. Free Parking! For more details please contact Janet: Tel. 01753 206 265 email: office@hands-onart.co.uk www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk Heathfield Summer Camp for Girls invites girls aged 7 to 15 to join them for their top quality summer programme for girls in Ascot. In addition to a large range of racquet, field and pool sports, other activities include arts, crafts, photography, dance, drama, music, cookery, floristry, hair & beauty and yoga. Many activities are shared with international girls at their Summer School and each week Summer Campers do a show or exhibition for parents. Excellent meals and snacks in breaks included. Day and boarding places available July 7th to August 3rd. www.heathfieldsummerschool.co. uk Tel 01344 885197 or email: summerschool@heathfieldschool.net

JG Dance and Theatre College ballet, jazz, acrobatics and tap for 2½-18 yrs. After school classes held in Chiltern Edge School, Woodley, Tilehurst, Bourne End, Twyford and Saturday mornings in

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Henley. Tel: 01491 572000; email info@jgdance.co.uk or visit www.jgdance.co.uk for your free trial session.

Jump in Trampoline Park, Slough.

Jump in have partnered up with Wise Owls to deliver a holiday camp for children aged 5-14 years from Monday 22nd July - Friday 23rd August 2019. Book through www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk Liquid Leisure is the World’s leading water sports and activity provider, with two locations in the South East of England. Both the Surrey and Windsor parks are set on beautiful freshwater lakes, with Aqua Parks being the largest attractions. Liquid Leisure Windsor is also home to the UK’s number one water sports facilities, with boat and cable wakeboarding, water skiing, slalom and kneeboarding. As well as an amazing Aqua Park, Liquid Leisure Surrey has a fantastic paddle water sports area with stand up paddleboarding available.

Website: www.liquidleisure.com Windsor Tel: 01753 542 500 Surrey Tel: 01932 761 555 Longridge, Marlow holiday activities are for young people between the ages of 8 and 14 who are looking to explore some adventurous activities and get active during the school holidays.

Four of our adventurous activities throughout the day and a packed lunch, all for just £40. Drop them off at 8.45am and pick them up at 5pm – booking available online or through the bookings team.

Longridge is also a recognised child care provider, so if you wish to pay using childcare vouchers then please contact our bookings team on bookings@adventurelearning.org.uk or 033 0303 0101.

Adventurelearning.org.uk There’s no place like Perform this summer. ‘We’re off to see the wizard this summer, as we sing and dance our way down the yellow brick road in our Wizard of Oz holiday courses’. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as Perform bring this story to life.

Book online at perform.org.uk/wizard Age range: 4-10 years. Dates: 5-9 August 10am to 3pm each day. Venue: Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Parsonage Lane, Windsor SL4 5EW. Contact: Tel: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk Visit: perform.org.uk/holidays for full details

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Phoenix Gymnastics Club will be holding their popular daily summer camps: Summersaults throughout the holidays for 5-12 year olds, members and non members. Have fun and be taught gymnastics by their British Gymnastics qualified coaches and enjoy the experience in their fully equipped gym with sprung floor, beam, bars and vaults.

Go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email info@phoenixgym.co.uk or call 01628 778 881 to book a place Phoenix Trampoline Club will be holding their Just Bounce summer classes at East Berkshire College, Langley throughout the holidays.

Please go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email trampolining@phoenixgym.co.uk or call on 01628 778881 to find out more and book a place. Available for members and non-members.

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Summer Camps

Under the canopy forest school

Redroofs School is also running ‘Kids in the Musicals’ in Mayfair, London. during May half term week Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th May for ages 8-13 The venue is Danceworks, 16 Balderton Street, Mayfair, London W1K 6TN www.redroofs.co.uk/Mayfair

Playball Camps in Windsor. Are you are looking for something active for your kids to do during the May half-term and/or Summer holidays, why not consider Playball? An all-encompassing sports holiday camp, full of funfilled games, skills and drills. The camps cater for a mixture of ages from 3-8 and encourage social interaction and non-stop fun!

Camps start at 10am and run through to 1pm. Contact them at windsor@playballkids.com to find out more details or have look at their website: www.playballkids.com Redroofs School for the Performing Arts is running onstage holiday weeks at their school in Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3QY. ‘My Mummy Says I'm a Miracle’ Matilda Week is Monday

29th July - Friday 2nd August for ages 6-13+. ‘A Little Light Fantastic’ Mary Poppins Returns Week is being held Monday 5th - Friday 9th August and Monday 19th - Friday 23rd August for ages 7-13+. ‘Don’t Just Fly - SOAR Into Disney’ Dumbo Week! is being held Monday 12th - Friday 16th August for ages 7-13+. ‘Trolls, Rainbows & Unicorns’ Week runs Tuesday 27th August - Friday 30th August for ages 41/2 - 9+.

The only Musical Theatre courses where children can enjoy a refreshing dip in a heated outdoor pool, beautiful gardens and an onstage real theatre experience. £245 for all except Trolls, Rainbows and unicorns which is £195. Call 01628 674092; www.redroofs.co.uk or email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk

Seriously Fun Swimming Schools are running 5 day intensive course swimming lessons during school holidays at St Piran's School Maidenhead, Teikyo Japanese School Slough, Thorpe House School Gerrards Cross and Aylesbury Grammar School for children aged 3 to 12 years for just £80 per child. May Half-Term Mon 27th May to Fri 31st May. Summer Holidays - Mon 29th Jul to Fri 2nd Aug. Book online at www.seriouslyfun.net or call 01753 364 364.

Showstopper Tots offers a unique blend of popular musical theatre show tunes and themes together with original songs, that let your tots experience the sights and sounds of the theatre. Drop in classes are available for 18 months - 4.5 years on Mondays from 3pm at St.Peter’s church hall in Maidenhead with classes running during the May half-term and summer holidays. Showstopper Babies classes also run during holidays, booking essential. Call 07885 150034 or email mairi@showstopperuk.com for more information. www.showstopperuk.com

Stagecoach Holiday Workshops.

Make new friends, learn new skills and gain confidence during oneweek holiday workshops which focus on singing, dancing and acting skills which end in a performance for friends and family.

Designed for 6 to 18 year olds and some areas tailor the workshop to kids aged 4-6. There are limited spaces available, so advisable to book soon. For availability, dates and more information please check your local Stagecoach website: www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead www.stagecoach.co.uk/windsor www.stagecoach.co.uk/ascot www.stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyand marlow www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe

Fabulous week of dance for students aged 5-18, held at BCA College. 19th Aug-23rd Aug. 104pm. Cheer,street, lyrical,tap, musical theatre.

Ksa Dance camps in association with The Bucks School Of Dance.

Karen@bucksschoolofdance.co.uk, 07985 252129.

Www.bucksschoolofdance.co.uk The Jelly Lounge Family Club workshops, holiday camps and creche (cookery, arts & craft, slime, disco, messy play and more). Fun workshops and camps for all ages for the holidays. For under 4’s they

01628 821145

07721 422554

Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities.

Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices e: farm@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk

Maidenhead Gymnas cs Club & Gymtots Gymnas cs based physical educa on for pre-school and school aged children at our gym within the grounds of Altwood School, Maidenhead.

Visit:-

MaidenheadGymnas cs.uk

Or Telephone / Text 18 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

07 957 223 124

for details

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Summer Camps

The Little Gym Windsor, offers a chance for kids to burn energy, make friends and get creative this summer! Children have an endless supply of energy and a natural desire to conquer the world. So how can you harness that sense of wonderment and adventure in the summer holidays? The Little Gym Windsor offers an amazing variety of fun camps for 3 to 12 year olds.

Daily summer camps combine gymnastics, sports, and arts and crafts to get your little one moving and unleash their creativity.

Qualified instructors get them giggling as they learn, make new friends, and burn energy! Super Kid Quest Camps (3-8 years) and Skill Thrill camps (6-12 years) run all week. Each camp is 3 hours long and lots of healthy snacks are provided. Book 4 and get your 5th camp free! Members and nonmembers welcome. Visit www.windsor.thelittlegym.eu or phone 01753 968488 to book.

Turtle Tots will be running summer baby and toddler swimming courses throughout the month of August which will be announced at a later date. Contact berkshire@turtletots.com for more information or keep an eye on their Facebook page @turtletotsberks www.turtletots.com Twinkle Tots Ballet summer schools are being held again this summer at Sunningdale Village Hall, Church Rd, Sunningdale, SL5 0NJ. Join Miss Katherine for a fun filled week of dancing, suitable for age 2 and upwards.

With a daily ballet class, themed arts and crafts, modern dance for the older group and then help create your own ballet show to perform on the Friday to friends and family! 2-4 year olds cost £40 for the week; 4 years + cost £70 for the week. Online enrolments will open in May when dates are confirmed. Visit www.twinkletotsdance.com for more information,

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Tel: 07828 857061 or email: summerschool@twinkletotsdance. com Places are limited.

Under the Canopy Forest School run inspirational outdoor experiences at their Velarium Holiday Club in Gerrards Cross during the holidays. Book now for Friday 31st May. Sessions are 10am-12pm or 2-4pm and cost £20 for an unaccompanied 5-10 year old and £15 for ages 4 and under who must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Sessions also run on 29th and 30th July. For more information or to book, email: Info@underthecanopy.org.uk visit www.Underthecanopy.org.uk or call 07971 406 671 Wise Owls Club will be running at Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead, from Monday 22nd July – Friday 30th August 2019.

They are Ofsted rated ‘Good’ and have a 5* food hygiene rating. The children are cared for by a friendly, qualified and caring team. Join them for a fun filled summer holiday. JUNIOR CLUB at Highfield for ages 3-7 - Enjoy lots of sports, free play, craft activities, baking, messy play and group activities with fun outings to places such as country parks, farms, indoor soft play, fruit picking, crazy golf and cinema. trips to local park every day. DISCOVERY CLUB at Highfield for ages 7-14 - Enjoy lots of activities, sports, art, baking and group games with fun outings to places such as coral reef, cinema, crazy golf, sno-tubing, three mobile, swimming, fruit picking, cinema and country parks. Trips to local park every day. A healthy snack, lunch and tea is an option for both clubs. Times: 9.00am5.00pm, extended day 8am-6pm. www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk Yvonne Thomas is a specialist teacher with 20 years experience who runs holiday courses in touchtyping for children. Working memory booster techniques are used to help students improve recall and memorise the use of correct fingers. Focus and self esteem are encouraged through this holistic approach. The programme Yvonne uses has clear simple screens and the different keys are introduced sequentially

Under the canopy forest school

offer a fabulous creche (all year round). Check out their website or Facebook page for the latest goings on. More than just a soft play. Ages: all; Location: Windsor.

Call: 01753 290 175 or visit www.thejellylounge.co.uk for further information.

following a phonics programme.

The programme also has a multisensory approach tailored to the pace of the learner. Two teachers are present with a small group of students in a dedicated classroom, which promotes rapid learning.

Dates for morning and afternoon courses in May Half Term are: 27th, 28th & 29th May and for the Summer Holidays: 29th, 30th &

31st July and 24th, 25th & 26th August To book a course with Yvonne Thomas in Maidenhead call 07929 528642 or visit www.dttts.co.uk

Details correct at time of going to press (April 2019) but may be subject to change.

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TVE 102 May June.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2019 12:51 Page 20

Parenting

How to help your children make friends

By Linda Blair

55% of parents say they are anxious about making new adult friends and it’s therefore not surprising that some children are also not sure how to go about this. It’s useful to help them understand that the easiest way to make a friend is to BE a friend. Psychologist Linda Blair has some useful tips for children and parents:

Let’s Pretend Knowing how other people are feeling will help you understand what makes them tick. If your school has a drama club, join it, and ask to be in the school play too, so you can learn how different characters feel and behave. At home, ask your family to play ‘let’s pretend’ games with you.

Tips for Children

Linda Blair says: “To make friends children must be able to consider life from other people’s points of view so they can appreciate and react to what others want to do and enjoy.

Although young children show they’re capable of appreciating other viewpoints, they don’t normally apply this skill until they’re about 5 years old.

This is why it’s important to start introducing them to this skill at a young age. Once they can understand empathy it will feel like second nature to them to behave in those adaptive ways.”

Offer to Help If you think another child isn’t sure about whether to join in with what you’re doing, invite them to do just that. Everyone likes to feel included.

Sharing is Caring When you’re with your friends, offer to share your toys, so you can all play together.

Taking Turns Make sure everyone you’re with gets to have a turn at whatever you’re all doing. They’ll know that you are a kind person.

As a parent, you can help your child to make new friends by: Starting a Conversation Some children may want a parent’s help to start a conversation. Working with your child to think of a few things they can say like “I like your lunch box” or “What games do you like?” can help your child feel more comfortable about starting to talk to a potential new friend.

Joining In Encourage your child to watch what other children are playing and think about what they can do to fit in. Suggest they try joining the game by doing something that’s relevant to it e.g. if children are playing at running a library, volunteer to be somebody who wants to borrow a book. Stress that it’s important not to be negative about the game or try to change it and if the others don’t want them to join in right then, to try again another day.

20 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Linda Blair’s top tips for parents are: Do as I Do During the early years, parents are their child’s best role models. Try to show your children how to make friends by setting a good example - giving the people around you your full attention and listening fully whenever your child, your partner or other key people around you want to tell you something. Show you’re concerned about how other people are feeling and thank others when they do things you appreciate.

Read Stories about Sharing and Making Friends Talk about them afterwards. Start reading these stories as early as possible, even before you think your child can understand them! Whenever you see an opportunity, ask your child how a character could be feeling - and ask how they know.

Make a Head Start Before your child starts a new school year, find out if you can who else will be in their class. Then invite one of those children over to play with your child during the summer holidays. That way, once school starts, your child already has a friend from the start of term. This in turn will reduce their anxiety when they go into class on that first day.

For more from Linda Blair, visit www.lindablair.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

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Competitions and Offers with

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Families have partnered with the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort to give one lucky reader the chance to win tickets for a family of 4 to the Resort, where awesome awaits!

Closing date for competition entries is June 28

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk

With awesome rides, live shows and attractions, LEGOLAND has something for all the family to enjoy. For the best value, LEGOLAND Annual Passes allow guests to enjoy a year of entry to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort from just £59 per person*, including exclusive benefits - discounted parking rate of just £4, discounted LEGOLAND Hotel stays** and discounted entry to LEGOLAND at Christmas.

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Prize Terms and Conditions: • Only one entry per person • Entrants must be aged 18 or over • Entrants submitting the correct answer will be entered into a prize draw which will take place on 28 June 2019 • The winner will be selected at random • The prize consists of 4 standard entry tickets to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort • Any additional adults and/or children will be charged at the standard rate • If the winner elects to partake in any or all portions of his/her prize with fewer than four (4) guests, the prize will be awarded to the winner and any participating guest and any remainder of the prize will be forfeited and shall not be subject to further or alternative compensation • The prize is for 4 standard tickets only • Prizes must be used within the 2019 season from 15 March 2019 – 2 November 2019 • Prizes will be sent to winners by the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort by post • Any additional tickets you may wish to purchase can be booked in advance online at www.legoland.co.uk • If you are using these tickets to attend on an event day please ensure that you arrive early to guarantee entry • When planning your visit, please remember to take a look at our calendar for opening dates and times We are closed on some Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season • Height age and weight restrictions apply on some rides • The prize is subject to the attractions normal Terms and Conditions of Entry, which can be found at https://www.legoland.co.uk/tickets-and-passes/terms-and-conditions/park/ • The use of the prize is subject to availability and capacity restrictions • Not all attractions, shows and rides may be operational on the day of the visit • Prize consists only of standard entrance only; no other elements or expenses such as travel, car parking, meals and beverages, spending money or Q-Bot access to rides and attractions are included. All such expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner plus guests • The promoter’s decision is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into. Unless otherwise stated the promoter is the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort • This prize cannot be taken in conjunction with any other promotion, offer, reward/loyalty program, 2 Day or Annual Pass, group booking, rail inclusive offer • Competition entry is open to all UK residents except employees and the immediate family of the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort • There is no cash or alternative to the prizes stated, and the prizes are non-transferable • *Exclusion dates apply, more information can be found here https://www.legoland.co.uk/tickets-and-passes/annual-passes • **Exclusions apply, more information can be found here https://www.legolandholidays.co.uk/annualpass.html

TVE 102 May June.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2019 12:51 Page 22

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

MAY & JUNE

The Sculpture Garden is open May 4 to 19

Fridays May 3 to July 19 TWILIGHT SCHOOL Under the Canopy Forest School, as above. After school course for 5+years 5-6.30pm. Ten week course Saturdays STORYTIME AT MARLOW BOOKSHOP 22-26 Spittal St, Marlow SL7 1DB Enjoy a story at the town’s independent book store. 10-10.30am, ideal for babies and pre-schoolers. www.marlowbookshop.co.uk Saturdays ROLLER DISCO at Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW Get your wheels on and whizz to the disco. There’s Scooter and Skate school from 3-4pm.

Under sevens and beginners skate 4.15pm to 5.30pm, family skate 5.45pm to 7.30pm. www.leisurecentre.com/magnetleisure-centre

Mondays SALSA DANCING Tithe Barn, Hurley, SL6 5LX 07518 727363 Fun and friendly salsa dancing classes in a beautiful setting with a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic teachers 8.15pm to 9pm. www.salsastyle.co.uk Mondays and Wednesdays May 6 to July 24 STAY AND PLAY Under the Canopy Forest School, Dukes Valley, Windsor Road, Gerrards Cross SL9 8SR, 07971 406 671 Outdoor adventures and crafts finished with a snack around the campfire. Accompanied 2-4 year olds.

Single or multiple bookings available 10-11.30am Info@underthecanopy.org.uk 07971 406 671 www.underthecanopy.org.uk

Be Amazed...The Look Out

Discovery Centre Science and discovery fun over 90 activities.

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www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

22 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Sundays VISIT ETON NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Eton College, South Meadow Lane, Eton SL4 6DW Thackeray Collection of British Birds and other collections with more than 15,000 specimens. 2.30 to 5pm. Free. www.etonnhm.com Ongoing SCIENCE EXHIBITION The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 354400 More than 90 activities which children of all ages can enjoy and learn from: launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends. Science shows run at weekends and Bracknell school holidays, subject to minimum numbers. £1.95 per person in addition to the main entrance price to the handson science and nature exhibition. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisureservices/look-out Ongoing SHEEP RACING AND ANIMAL FARM Odds Farm Park Wooburn Common Road, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188 Check out the fleet sheep plus meet the animals and special timed talks and feeding sessions. Plus enjoy the giant playbarn, water play features and all the other animals. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

My First Ballet Sleeping Beauty, May 4 and 5

MAY

Saturdays FAMILY SATURDAYS: VICTORIAN CELEBRATION Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ This May marks exactly 200 years since Queen Victoria’s birthday. Learn more about the Queen and her reign and create a colourful collage of Queen Victoria or Prince Albert in the art workshop. www.royalcollection.org.uk Weekends in May ROWING BOATS AND MOTOR BOATS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 extension 121 to book. Relax and unwind as you row yourself along the Thames in a rowing or motor boat.

Boating options offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the river. Booking essential. Gates open 10am, hire is from 11.30am to 4pm. Tickets for river cruises can only be purchased at the Information Centre in the main visitor car park. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5 MY FIRST BALLET: SLEEPING BEAUTY Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000.

Give your children their first taste of the magical world of ballet. Enjoy the classic fairytale together in this new version especially created for children aged

Bring this voucher to get one free child with one full paying adult*.

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Let’s Rock The Moor in Cookham May 18

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Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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What’s On

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

The merry month of May at Chiltern Open Air Museum, May 5 and 6

Royal Windsor Horse Show runs May 8 to 12

Timmy Mallett narrates Peter and The Wolf at the Cookham Festival, May 12

three upwards. With a shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music, this is a fantastic family day out. Performed by second-year students of the English National Ballet School. www.Wycombeswan.co.uk Saturday May 4 to Sunday 19 THE SCULPTURE GARDEN The Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham, Maidenhead, SL6 9SR, 07976 612623. Outdoor sculpture exhibition at the private gardens of the Odney Club, owned by John Lewis Partnership, featuring over 100 works by 30 professional working artists set in gorgeous flowing grounds by the River Thames. There is a lovely cafe and terrace for refreshments and children will love the gardens and pathways. Part of Cookham Festival. 10am to 4pm. www.thesculpturegarden.co.uk Sunday May 5 and Monday 6 MAY DAY MERRIMENT Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB 01494 871117.

Experience music and merrymaking with Suffolk Free Company and Myal Pyper to bring you a vibrant and engaging taste of Elizabethan celebration. See black powder weapons and a fine display of swordsmanship www.coam.org.uk Sunday May 5 MEET THE RANGER AND HIS REPTILES Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. One of the rangers will be near the café with some of the reptiles and amphibians that can be found on site. 2pm to 3.30pm Monday May 6 FAMILY FUN DAY EXTRAVAGANZA Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, SL4 5JJ 01753 498400 Racing day with plenty for children.

Funfair rides will be completely free including pony

rides, dodgems, assault course, inflatable horse racing, zorbing. Children under 18 go free and adult tickets start from £14 in advance. Entry is free for accompanied children, adult prices vary. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Monday May 6 THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WALLIAMS! Cookham Library, High Road, Cookham SL6 9JF. A bank holiday treat for children of all ages.

Stories from the children’s books of David Walliams, as told by Richard James. 2.30pm. Free entry by ticket. Part of Cookham Festival. www.cookham.com/cookhamfestival2019/index.html Monday May 6 HENLEY MAY FAYRE Henley Market Place, Henley on Thames, RG9 2AA. Morris dancers, musicians, strong man, Maypole dance displays plus May King and May Queen competition, refreshments and more. 12pm to 5pm.

Tuesday May 7 YOUNG RANGERS - WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY). Monthly wildlife club for 8-12yrs (one session repeats twice per month to allow for demand). Explore and discover who and what lives in the park and forest. Become a nature detective to find out about birds, bats, deer, minibeasts and more! Action-packed activities such as pond dipping, bug hunts, animal tracking, shelter building and bushcraft. Drinks provided. 6-7.30pm. www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Wednesday May 8 to Sunday 12 ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Windsor Castle, Home Park, SL4 6HX 0844 581 4960. A Shetland pony Grand National, a musical ride by the Queen’s Household Cavalry, mounted games and more! The Pageant celebrating

the birth and life of Queen Victoria is performed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, ticket only.

Residents with an Advantage card can enjoy free access to the Show on Windsor Wednesday and discounts across the rest of the week. Tickets: 01753 743589. www.rwhs.co.uk Thursday May 9 TEEN RANGERS - WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre as above. Monthly wildlife club for 12-16 yrs. Spend time outdoors in the park and forest to discover who and what lives there. Budding naturalists can test their animal tracking, shelter building and bushcraft skills to learn more about the flora and fauna. 6-8pm Saturday May 11 and 18 DAWN CHORUS Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL1 8NS Booking (required) 0344 249 1895 Enjoy this guided walk and hear early-morning birdsong, followed by breakfast. 5.30-8.30am £25. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday May 11 COX GREEN VILLAGE FAYRE Brill Green, Cox Green Lane, Maidenhead. Annual family event promising lots of fun for all ages. Entry to the fayre is free, events will kick off at midday. Local stalls, tea cakes and crafts, Maypole dancing from Wessex Primary School and much more!

Saturday May 11 MARLOW MAY FAYRE Higginson Park, Marlow, SL7 2AE 01494 421 821 Family event featuring a wide range of stalls, rides, games, live music and real ale tent. Set in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the River Thames. At 3.30pm it’s the Family Duck Race with some fantastic prizes. 10am to 5pm. Entry is free. www.marlow.roundtable.co.uk

Windsor’s

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Fun workshops and holiday camps

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Awesome soft play

Stylish and stress free kids parties for all ages

Venue hire for any type of event

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Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

01753 290175

contact@thejellylounge.co.uk

Families Thames Valley East • 23

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What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Bali starlings at BCA Family Zoo Days, May 25 and June 29

Stories of Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle.

May 27

The Polka Dots are at Norden Farm, May 28

Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12 STEAM SPECTACULAR BY CARTERS STEAM FAIR Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead, SL6 6QD. The one time in the year when Carters runs all the rides on steamgenerated energy using showman's engines. Road run of vintage vehicles will be leaving the fair at 10am on Saturday to parade through Maidenhead. Dogs welcome on a lead. Admission free. Saturday noon to 11pm; Sunday noon to 9pm. Free fireworks 9pm Saturday.

Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12 STUBBINGS HOUSE OPEN GARDEN FOR THE AIR AMBULANCE Henley Road, Maidenhead SL6 6QL 01628 825454.

Parkland garden next to the well-known garden nursery. Set around an 18th century house (not open), home to Queen Wilhelmina of Netherlands in WW2. Large lawn with ha-ha and woodland walks.

Historic cedars and monkey puzzle trees and a 60metre wall of wisteria should be blooming.

Admission £4, children free. www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk Sunday May 12 PETER AND THE WOLF Sir Bernard Miller Centre, Odney Club, Odney Lane, SL6 9SR The story of a duck, a wolf and a boy named Peter, narrated by Timmy Mallett with the Festival Orchestra, is the main feature of this concert of musical storytelling. Also included are tales involving a prince, two ugly sisters and a fairy godmother, the pilots of five science fiction rescue craft, and a journey down a mighty river. 3.30pm, adults £6, under 11s £3. Part of the Cookham Festival www.cookham.com/cookhamfestival2019/index.htm Sunday May 12 ANCIENT TREES Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. Old trees have some fantastic tales to tell, as do the Burnham Beeches rangers. Booking required.

Afternoon event

Saturday May 18 BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET Burnham Park Hall, Windsor Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HR. 1-2.30pm. £1.50 for first 30 minutes and £1 for next hour. Nearly new items for sale. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Saturday May 18 LET’S ROCK THE MOOR Cookham Moor, Cookham, Berks, SL6 9SF. Family-friendly Eighties festival raising money for The Link Foundation. See Andy Bell of Erasure, Marc Almond, Hugh Cornwell, Jason Donovan and more.

Extensive children’s area includes free circus workshops face painting, crafts and more. Plus The Sooty Show Live, Carters’ fairground, food and drinks stalls and a great party atmosphere. www.letsrockthemoor.com Sunday May 19 FOREST SCHOOL FAMILY EVENT Under the Canopy Forest School, Dukes Valley, Windsor Road, Gerrards Cross SL9 8SR, 07971 406 671 Inspired outdoor activities and campfire food.

11am-1pm. Also runs on June 23 and July 14 Info@underthecanopy.org.uk 07971 406 671 www.underthecanopy.org.uk Sunday May 19 STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Interactive storytelling in the magical story den. £3.50, 11.30am www.norden.farm Monday May 20 and Friday 24 NATURE TOTS MAIDENHEAD Woolley Firs Environmental Education centre, Cherry Garden Lane Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574. Great opportunity each month for you and your pre-school little ones to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include activities such as bug-hunting, mud digging and mask-making. Games, story-time and refreshments also included. Suitable for 18 months-4yrs 9.30am11.30am and 1-2.30pm sessions. www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Wednesday May 22 PRANIC HEALING Seminar: Personal Development with Odette Meredith. The Curzon Centre, 43 Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RG 7.30pm - 9.30pm £20 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk Saturday May 25 FAMILY ZOO DAY BCA Animal Management Centre, Burchetts Green Road, Burchett's Green, Maidenhead SL6 6QR 01628 824444. Meet otters, skunks, snakes, frogs, meerkats and more! Educational talks, feeding displays and handling demonstrations. Supporting one of the rarest animals at the Zoo, the Bali Starlings and the Silent Forest Campaign. Tickets in advance. 9am to 12noon. Adult £8, children £5. Children under 3, free. www.bca.ac.uk/events Saturday May 25 BURNHAM DONKEY DERBY Burnham Park Hall, Windsor Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HR 01628 661381. The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Burnham Beeches. Donkey races and rides, arena events, a funfair and a variety of stalls. Free.

Attractions run all afternoon. Funds raised for local charities. www.burnhamdonkeyderby.co.uk Saturday May 25 to Sunday June 2 CLIVEDEN HALF TERM TRAIL Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL1 8NS Pick up the trail sheet in the tent next to the Information Centre and follow a fun-filled sports themed trail, with a craft at the end through the grounds. £2 per child, 10.30am to 2.30pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday May 25 to Sunday June 2 WOODLAND WONDERS TRAIL Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. Have a wonderful woodland adventure on our popular halfterm trail, aimed at children up to 12. Pick up a leaflet from the information point and guide yourself along the route. Suggested donation £2. Bring a pencil

Blossom Ballet For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy:

07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet

is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes in Windsor throughout the week and at the weekends

24 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

TVE 102 May June.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2019 12:51 Page 25

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

What’s On

Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Duckie is at Norden Farm, May 29 Saturday May 25 to Sunday June 2 FAMILY TRAIL: TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICAN PRESIDENTS Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Old Windsor, use Sat Nav code TW20 0AE 01784 432891 Pick up your trail from the Magna Carta tea room and learn all about the presidents who have a connection to Runnymede. £1 per trail. Dogs on leads are welcome. 10am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede Monday May 27 MORGAN & WEST’S MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS AND CHILDISH GROWN-UPS Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF 01628 788997.

Time travelling magicians Morgan & West present a jaw dropping, heart stopping, brain busting, opinion adjusting, death defying, mind frying, spirit lifting, paradigm shifting, outlook changing, furniture rearranging magic extravaganza! 11.30am and 2pm, tickets £11 (£9 under 16s). Family and friends (4 people) £36 www.norden.farm Monday May 27 STORIES OF QUEEN VICTORIA Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ. The castle is hosting celebratory activities of Queen Victoria’s life, including a sneak preview of some of the exciting attractions lined up for the Victorian family festival on September 14. Settle down in the State Apartments for a brand new story from our favourite storyteller Olivia Armstrong. Learn about Queen Victoria’s momentous reign, and maybe even try on one of our spectacular new Victorian costumes. Storytelling sessions at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. www.royalcollection.org.uk Monday May 27 and Tuesday 28 CLIVEDEN BIG TREE CLIMB Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL1 8NS. An exciting tree top adventure in Cliveden's magnificent woodlands.

Experts from The Great Big Tree Climbing Company will show children how to safely scale atop a woodland canopy. After enjoying a unique view of the estate from above, a final zip line to the forest floor completes the activity.

Ticket price includes admission to the estate for the ticket holder plus the parent/guardian. Booking required www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

familiesonline.co.uk

Charlie Baker presents The Greatest Goat of All Time, May 31 Tuesday May 28 CONCERTINI WITH THE POLKA DOTS Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997.

Vintage vocal harmony band The Polka Dots bring the best of 1940s and 50s classics - plus some modern numbers with a retro twist! The 11.30am is a relaxed performance – ideal for families with babies and toddlers or children with SEND. Ages zero to eight, 45 minutes. £11 (£9 under 16s) www.norden.farm Wednesday May 29 DUCKIE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, as above.

Duckie is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, with a message of respect and selfacceptance at its core. Family-friendly glamour and glitz take centre stage as critically-acclaimed cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat breaks out of his shell as Duckie, in his first work for children. A classic tale of identity and belonging told through music, narration and dressup, topped with Le Gateau Chocolat’s distinctive baritone vocals. 2pm Wednesday May 29 CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. Two-hour walk to track down things that go bump, squeak and squawk in the night. Even if the wildlife is elusive, exploring their habitat in the dark should make this a memorable night. Weather dependent.

Booking required.

Friday May 31 THE GREATEST GOAT OF ALL TIME Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997. Starring awardwinning comedian, singer and dancer Charlie Baker (Harry Hill, Doctor Who) and BAFTA-winning Class Dismissed actor Sam Battersea. A live soundtrack accompanies our hero on her journey from 0-100% confidence with her magically tuneful farmyard friend. 2pm. £11 (£9 under 16s), family and friends (four people) £36 Tickets not required for children under 18 months who are happy to sit on laps, 7+yrs www.norden.farm

with Raphael Historic Falconry, the longest established professional historic falconers in the United Kingdom. Learn about the art of Victorian falconry, admire their beautiful birds of prey and relax beneath the Round Tower. www.royalcollection.org.uk Sunday June 2 HARRY POTTER WALK Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. On location From Harry Potter to Robin Hood, one of the Rangers will be near the café to talk about some films that have been shot here. 2pm to 3.30pm Wednesday June 5 to Sunday June 9 TOM GATES LIVE ON STAGE Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000. Based on the best-selling books by Liz Pichon, this brand new story of Tom Gates is

Falconry at Windsor Castle on June 1 brought to you by the award-winning team behind Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny. Tom’s doing everything possible to stay out of trouble but somehow it isn’t working.

Will Rooster the dog stop eating his homework? Will his grandparents the Fossils ever make something he can actually EAT? www.wycombeswan.co.uk Saturday June 8 MAMMA MIA 2STUBBINGS HOUSE OPEN AIR CINEMA Henley Road, Maidenhead SL6 6QL 01628 825454 Set around an 18th century house, open air cinema returns with Summer Screens. Film shown in high definition on a giant screen, with state of the art audio for a cinematic experience under the stars. www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk

JUNE

Saturday June 1 VICTORIAN FALCONRY Windsor Castle, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ. Step into the Moat Garden and travel back in time

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 25

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MORE

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Tom Gates is at Wycombe Swan, June 5 to 9

Father’s Day Concertini at Norden Farm, June 16

In The Night Garden Live, June 22 to 23

Saturday June 8 ETON COLLEGE OPEN GARDEN Eton College High Street, Eton, Berkshire SL4 6DB. Rare chance to visit a group of central college gardens surrounded by historic school buildings, including Luxmoore's garden on a small island in the Thames reached across two attractive bridges.

Explore the fascinating Eton College Natural History Museum and a small group of other private gardens.

Home-made teas served in the Fellows garden.

2pm to 5pm. Admission £6 adults, children free. www.ngs.org.uk Saturday June 8 A WALK IN THE PARK TVAP’S Spring Walk, Windsor Great Park, leaving from Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UJ Choose one of three routes: 2½ miles, 6 miles and 9 miles in the beautiful Great Park to raise money for the Taplowbased adventure playground for children and adults with disabilities. The paths are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. All walkers receive a map on the day and instructions. Register in advance at www.tvap.co.uk and click through to the registration form or call 01628 628599. £5 per adult walker, under 16s free.

Sunday June 9 STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Interactive storytelling in the magical story den. £3.50, 11.30am www.norden.farm Saturday June 15 HOLYPORT VILLAGE FAIR The Green, Holyport, SL6 2JT Dog show, tug-of-war and the beer race plus a traditional funfair with a carousel and various rides. This year’s event will have a medieval theme of red and gold. The classic car show will see beautiful vintage vehicles and there will be all kinds of food and drink on offer. Timings to be confirmed. Follow social media for announcements.

Sunday June 16 FATHER’S DAY CONCERTINI WITH ROB CASTELL Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Celebrate Father’s Day with a fun family concert featuring CBBC singer/songwriter Rob Castell. Bring the whole family and enjoy an entertaining 45 minutes of musical theatre tunes and family favourites - including songs from The Lion King and The Greatest Showman. Little people will be able to dance, sing and move around, whilst grown-ups and big kids can enjoy listening to live music in a relaxed and friendly environment. £11 (£9 under 16s), family and friends (four people) £36. 11.30am and 2pm. www.norden.farm Sunday June 16 FILM MUSIC GALA Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra transports you to the silver screen in this film spectacular, featuring music from blockbuster film scores including: ET, The Avengers, Out Of Africa, Lord of the Rings, The Mission, Dance With Wolves and more www.wycombeswan.co.uk

Tuesday June 18 to Saturday 22 THE TEMPESTOUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE Stubbings House, Henley Road, Maidenhead SL6 6QL 01628 825454 .The Garden Players return with an exciting new production of one of Shakespeare's finest plays in the beautiful setting of Stubbings’ gardens. Set on an enchanted island with mysterious Prospero, his daughter Miranda, the savage Caliban and Ariel, a spirit of air. This magical tale ranks amongst Shakespeare's finest. All proceeds will go to the national charity, Child Bereavement UK based near High Wycombe www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk Friday June 21 NATURE TOTS - WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY). A great opportunity to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include seasonal nature discovery, games, crafts and lots of fun! Story-time and drinks also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years (younger siblings welcome) Sessions at 10-11.30am. Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Saturday June 22 SUMMER FAYRE Wessex Primary School, Adrian’s Close, Maidenhead SL6 3AT 11am2pm. Great family event with stalls, maypole dancing and more.

Saturday June 22 ENGLEFIELD GREEN VILLAGE FAIR The Green, Englefield Green, Surrey, Don’t miss the dancing dog performance, as well as some old favourites such as the children’s fairground rides, stalls, beer and Pimms tent, cakes and arena events.

12 noon to 5pm.

Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23 THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000. Join Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends. See all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. The show lasts just under an hour and it’s a completely new production. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23 BUSHCRAFT WEEKEND Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 01494 871117. Experience and make the most of the great outdoors. You will have an opportunity to take part in a number of bushcraft activities and explore areas of the site not usually open to the public. Have a go at shelter building in the woodland area, try making your own natural cordage, learn historic fire lighting techniques and explore the grounds. Please note that all activities are subject to change and weather. Museum opens 10am to 5pm, standard admission applies. www.coam.org.uk Monday June 24 NATURE TOTS MAIDENHEAD Woolley Firs Environmental Education centre, Cherry Garden Lane Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574.

An opportunity for you and your pre-school little ones to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include activities such as bug-hunting, mud digging and mask-making. Games, story-time and refreshments included. Ideal for children aged 18 months to four years 9.30am-11.30am and 1-2.30pm sessions. Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk/events Wednesday June 26 PRANIC HEALING Seminar: Health & Positive Self Image with Odette Meredith.

The Curzon Centre, 43 Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RG 7.30pm - 9.30pm £20 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk Thursday June 27 to Sunday 30 WINDSOR CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW Home Park, King Edward VII Avenue, Windsor. Enjoy a summer's day out under the ramparts of Windsor Castle at the show often described as the summer ‘Crufts’.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Visitors, please use exhibitor's entrance on the side of the Showground nearest to Windsor town centre.

Car parking available, £10. Entry is free. www.windsordogshow.org.uk Saturday June 29 FAMILY ZOO DAY BCA Animal Management centre, Burchetts Green Road, Burchett's Green, Maidenhead SL6 6QR 01628 824444. Come and admire the amazing array of species at the college, including otters, skunks, snakes, frogs, meerkats and many more! Look around the zoo and watch their keepers running educational talks, feeding displays and handling demonstrations. In June we will be fundraising for rhinos. Tickets in advance for either 9am to 12noon morning session or 1-4pm afternoon. Adult £8, children £5. Children under three go free. www.bca.ac.uk/events Sunday June 30 WINDSORMANIA FAMILY MUSIC FESTIVAL Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, SL4 5JJ 01753 498400. Windsormania returns with fantastic family fun with tributes to Olly Murs and Little Mix and including a spectacular free funfair for the children and the UK's largest dodgems! There are also seven horse races for both the adults and children to enjoy. Children under 18 free when accompanied by an adult!

Sunday June 30 WOODLAND WONDERS WALK FOR ALL THE FAMILY Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. Two-hour, morning family wildlife walk with bug hunts, games and fun in the woods. Suggested donation £4.

Booking required.

Monday July 1 MEET THE RANGER AND THE BUGS AND BEASTIES Burnham Beeches as above. One of the Rangers will be at the Information Point, showing off some of the fabulous creepy crawlies that live in the woodland. 10.45am to 12.30pm Tuesday July 2 PRANIC HEALING Seminar: Health & Positive Self Image with Tara Mehmet. The Acre, Donnelly House, Victoria Street, Windsor, SL4 1EN 7.00pm - 9.00pm £20 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk

26 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Come and be part of the adventure!

Weekdays at Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead and at the Beacon Centre, Saturdays at BCA, Maidenhead.

Classes across all the major dance disciplines, including ballet, modern, tap and acro dance, with fully teachers from one of the area’s bestloved and longest-established dance schools.

to book your free trial, email Candy.

09:16

Every day is Fun

at Poppies Come and see what makes our nurseries special!

Organic food provided Bourne End 01628 521522 Marlow 01628 487772

Beaconsfield 01494 677116 Old Windsor 01753 313030

Holmer Green 01494 716789 Maidenhead 01628 629716

www.poppiesdaynursery.com familiesonline.co.uk

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 27

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Parenting

Kids’ Tech time the unknown hidden danger

By Fiona Hart

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Warning Signs: Dull aches, dead feeling, pain or tenderness, stiffness, tingling or numbness, cramp, weakness and throbbing. There are generally no obvious signs of swelling, bruising or inflammation.

Preventative measures listen up kids!

Take breaks when playing games or using your computer, tablet, mobile or any device.

Every 20 minutes or so take a mini break:

W

hilst there’s a lot of awareness for the ever changing security issues that we need to stay abreast of in order to keep kids safe online (as well as the effect of screens on things such as psychological well being, social skills, addiction,eyesight… the list goes on…), there’s another big health risk that so few are aware of - Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

This may sound like yet more scaremongering, but having suffered personally, I’m strongly aware of the detrimental ongoing impact it can have if not prevented in advance. Before it happened to me, I had no idea about RSI, tendonitis and carpal tunnel, but 13 years ago I was forced to take 2 months off work to try and recover from the effects of RSI from my computer work. Far from ideal if you’re self-employed and immediate treatment isn’t cheap either!

Ever since I have had to “manage the impacts” as once severe damage is done, it lingers on. I can cope with my workload but I can no longer sit and paint art for hours as I used to and even writing for long, aggravates my arms. Had I realised the damage being caused to my nerves earlier I might have done less long-term damage.

We all know how addictive gaming and social media is and children are even less inclined to stop and take rest breaks for their arms, neck, posture and eyes. How many times do they jump up when their game is over and rush to the toilet? RSI can affect any age and it’s our duty as parents to teach our children to be aware of these risks and instill good habits they can take into their working life as their use of technology only ramps up further.

Below are some tips on what to look out for and how to prevent and treat RSI:

• Stretch and move!

• Look out the window at far away objects • Take some slow deep breaths (it’s surprising how many of us accidently hold our breath whilst concentrating, which prevents a healthy flow of oxygen to all our muscles) Don’t play for more than one hour.

Change to a new activity completely.

Even if doing homework on the computer take regular breaks: • Get up and walk around • Get a drink of water and snack • Go to the toilet • Run around the garden • Have a dance • Do some Press Ups / Sit Ups / Mini Circuits!

• Use a large Yoga ball to roll back onto, stretching backwards to open up your chest • Use a doorway to stretch your arms and shoulders Avoid use of Touch pads and Touch screens as much as possible Opt for active games as much as possible, the more movement the better. Think XBox Kinect and Wii Sports, Mario Party or Just Dance…

Encourage Screen Free Days Limit “Tech Time” to specific times in the week or just the weekend. Allow them to earn it as a reward for good behaviour.

Install “Break” or “Time Out” Software onto your computer or relevant devices to encourage break time and stretching.

Set up agreed limits using Apps such as: www.ourpact.com Or Google Family Link https://families.google.com/fam ilylink Encourage good posture.

Ensure they use the TV at eye level for gaming as much as possible so they are looking straight ahead rather than looking down at hand held devices.

Establish rules for the whole family Treatment: Physiotherapy, Deep tissue massage and Acupuncture are helpful.

Physiotherapy can generally be provided by the NHS but there may be a waiting list.

Acute RSI is very receptive to treatment in its early stages, so it's vital that you get medical help early and that you proactively manage this condition before it reaches a chronic stage which you may then have to manage forever.

Play games standing up, connected up to the TV Exercise regularly. Swimming, stretching plus anything that gets your heart pumping that oxygen around your muscles like cycling, running or football.

Use Speech to Text microphones to avoid texting.

28 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

For more information visit https://web.eecs.umich.edu/~c scott/rsi.html www.typekids.com/blog/wayscan-avoid-child-suffering-rsi

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Parenting

Encouraging Independence Rachel Bailey explores some of the challenges she faces as a mum of three.

N

urturing children in a way that helps them to grow into independent, wellrounded individuals, without giving them too much leeway (or means they are constantly trying your patience), is something most parents strive for. Having twins has meant I’m even more aware of getting the balance right than I was with my eldest son, as I want to encourage them to find their own way as individuals, as well as keeping that special bond that is unique to twins. Having two the same age, opens up questions most parents wouldn’t have to think about, such as whether we consider splitting them up into different classes once they start school. However, other issues such as when we move them into separate bedrooms, are ones that many parents with children of a similar age may face. For us, I think the bedroom issue will become a necessity sooner rather than later as they seem to have recently worked out that rooming with your best friend means there’s far more opportunity for fun, that’s much more preferable to sleep! With some juggling around, we are fortunate enough to just about have enough space to make separate rooms a possibility, but for a lot of people that just isn’t an option.

One of the things I find hardest with three, is the squabbling. For the twins, having a permanent playmate has distinct advantages and the majority of the time, they do play together really well. Inevitably however, there are periods when the squabbling seems constant, especially when they want to join in with whatever their big brother is doing. The temptation to get involved and break up arguments can be strong, but it’s much better for them (and for your sanity), in the long run if

you leave them to work things out themselves.

One wise friend once said to me, when they come to you for a solution, establish if they are telling you because someone is hurt or in danger of being hurt, or purely because the goal is to get the other into trouble. If it’s the latter, being encouraged to find a solution amongst themselves, is teaching them an important social skill.

The ability to entertain themselves is also key.

Of course it’s important to be present and play with our children, but we can’t always be on hand and encouraging them to use their imaginations and be creative rather than to just reach for a screen, will benefit everyone and enable them to discover their own interests.

Likewise, encourage them to make their own friends. Initiate playdates after school (if you can bear it) and as they get older, make sure your house is somewhere their friends are welcome.

With my 4 year olds not yet in school uniform, allowing them to choose their own clothes and encouraging them to dress themselves in the morning seems to be a good way of helping them to assert their independence. Often hard when time is short (as it is most mornings, I still haven’t perfected leaving the house without nagging, no matter how early I get up!) and my little girl has left the house in some very

individual outfits. I’ve said it before, she has her own style and I’ve learnt to pick my battles.

Putting aside time to spend one on one with each child separately is also a good way to show children that you value them as an individual. It also means you can tailor activities to their specific interests and helps you get to know that child better too!

Something we don’t often do during the week in our house, is eat together. With the kids always ‘starving’ by 5pm and a husband who rarely finishes work before 7pm, the possibility of a family meal is rare, although we do our best to make sure we all sit down together at weekends. Encouraged by a friend who is much better at routine than I am, I have however started to make a conscious effort to sit with the children at meal times and use it as a time to catch up with them about their day, talk together and listen to their opinions. It’s so easy to use that time to get ahead with various jobs, but making that time has meant we’ve had some really interesting (as well as silly), conversations and they’re learning that their opinions matter.

The ways in which we encourage independence in our children will always be subjective, but anything we can do to help them grow with self-confidence and assurance is a good start.

We are an ofsted rated ‘good’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor leisure centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.

Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team come and look around today: call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 29

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Parenting

Once the children have gone to school

By Anna Collins

It’s the first real mark of our children’s independence; the house being empty from 9-3pm Monday to Friday whilst the children are at primary or infant school. I’ll be honest and say there was a part of me that was looking forward to gaining more time to myself along with a little sadness that the preschool age was coming to an end. It’s a poignant stage in many parents’ lives and often it comes with very mixed emotions.

F

or 8 years I have managed a part-time work and part-time child care existence and, while the baby stage is all encompassing, the pre-school stage seemed to offer a nice balance. I loved the trips to soft play, a walk with my co-mum friends and children on a Friday or a train trip somewhere with one of my boys. This set-up was still a ‘juggle’ of course; there were toddler tantrums, plenty of night-time waking and some evenings spent catching up with work, but generally speaking, life was crazy but fulfilling.

Fast-track to now, my 4-year old has been at school for 6 months, having joined my 8year old. At first, I didn’t have too much time to think about it all as we were fully engaged in house renovations. Poor Joshua spent the first couple of months of school life in rather dusty looking shoes and trousers, but I honestly think having builders in and out of the house helped take away the silence that engulfs a home once children are gone. The silence can be lovely in some respects, but also a bit of a shock after having noisy children around you for years. Time to put the radio on!

Once the renovations were all finished, I still had work to do, but then I found I really missed having little ones around. This must be even more of a shock if you’ve been used to being a full-time parent even if your children had some nursery or pre-school attendance. Prior to the school years, I got out of the house far more

when I had a child to entertain and other mums to meet. Work is definitely one way of filling the void. This stage can be the time when many parents consider a new career or perhaps go back to work; again getting this to fit around the school day can be a challenge! I have also tried to be a bit healthier (after years of neglect!) and joined an exercise class which runs at school or parenting-friendly times.

The first year has definitely been a mix of emotions; worrying about your little one at school (this I found particularly hard with a summer-born baby), getting used to your own company, getting used to new directions, researching ideal job options, filling your time productively, getting used to silence rather than crying or playing, embracing the school drop off and collection, occupying tired, hungry children after school, managing after school child care, school admin and homework. I was surprised at how you need to get used to how a particular school works, certainly in the first term!

It’s a bit of a turning point, but by April, I have found that I am slowly getting used to managing both my time and the family’s.

Being a parent is all about change after all, some of it gradual and at other times, rather more of a shock! This is just the first step of many; secondary school next, then higher education, the world of work and leaving home, so best go in ready to embrace it!

30 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Classifieds Ginny’s Jungle Parties and Animal Encounters

www.ginnysjungle.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ginnysjungle

Tel: 07971 838724 / 01628 522632

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She Means Business If you’re feeling creative, Busy Buttons in Windsor Yards is the place to visit. Offering a wide variety of classes, camps, workshops and parties, for toddlers through to adults, there really is something for everyone. Founder Louella talks to Families about the passion she and her partner Lautaro share for working with young people, creating a sense of community and their new charity formation.

Who are you and where do you live?

I am Louella; an entrepreneur, designer, artist, teacher, creator, mother, mentor, wife, friend and founder of Busy Buttons. Having studied, lived and worked in London initially, life’s journey brought us to Windsor.

Design and Art are intrinsically woven into my life. I feel blessed that I have traversed this journey embellishing it with a growing awareness and understanding of the effect of art on the different levels of growth, development, education, wellbeing, health and healing. This, accompanied by great determination, perseverance and vision have made my passion our full-time business.

Tell us a bit about the business?

Busy Buttons CORE is a not for profit community organisation offering a broad range of creative educational programmes to all ages, but in particular young people.

We offer creative programmes to build strong foundations with understanding concepts, experimenting, growing from experiences and developing the individual’s confidence, be it in 3D art, film-making, fashion design, construction courses, portfolio development or in future career pathways. Our programmes are not a ‘quick-fix’ immediate gratification crash course. We deeply believe and follow the concepts of nurturing with respect, kindness,

creativity, safety and teamwork encouraging each person’s individuality, challenging them to discover their best.

In 2016 we set up our not-for-profit Busy Buttons Design Centre CIC at Windsor Yards to offer the community a place to learn and discover art as well as participate, volunteer and share in community events. Last year, we brought a great sense of involvement and community to 6,000 people across the ages with our free creative workshops. Of these, 2,350 beneficiaries were local school children.

Young people participated in Busy Buttons’ theatre productions, a Guinness World Record attempt, Windsor Fringe Festival and many more prestigious events. Still in its infancy the organisation has achieved a lot but has far to go.

What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this?

My partner, Lautaro and I spent many years working professionally in the film, theatre and entertainment industry, hands on designing and making on films such as Quantum of Solace, Hugo Cabret and Sherlock Holmes to name a few, besides theatre productions in the West End, The Royal Opera House and events like the Olympics opening ceremony. All this, alongside our education from University of Arts London (where Lautaro later lectured), has equipped us with invaluable experience and knowledge.

What inspired you to set up the business?

We began working with young people in 2005 as practicing professionals on projects for National Theatre, Greenwich and Lewisham Council by creatively engaging young disadvantaged people from Peckham and Deptford.

However, a life-threatening incident involving young offenders, a couple of years later, left us with no doubt that our calling in life was to pursue making a difference in young disadvantaged people’s lives with our creative work. After counselling for our Post Traumatic Stress, we planned and delivered creative programmes for young marginalised people and for the Youth Offenders in special creative programmes.

Finally, it was the arrival of our son Leon followed by the sudden loss of my mother that led us to set-up Busy Buttons.

Although working with disadvantaged and vulnerable young people is still at the heart of the organisation, we work with children from all different backgrounds and have a large number of enthusiastic, happy young people joining us on a weekly basis.

What are your plans for the future?

A prominent part of Busy Buttons programmes has always been our charitable work. Offering several free /subsidised projects with great support and opportunities, for all, but especially young people, be it with special disabilities, mental and wellbeing needs, enabling them to participate /volunteer and gain life skills and empowerment. We believe, it’s time to give the very prominent charitable arm of Busy Buttons, it’s own identity. The registration process has been lengthy and time consuming but will enable us to reach out to many more identified beneficiaries in the community. We are excitedly looking forward to becoming a registered charity and already have a number of projects planned.

What would your advice be to other business women?

Your passion and belief should be the driving force of your business not just the money. Your ethics and values are reflected in your passion and your customers will appreciate and identify with them. Give more than you plan to get.

The obstacles have been immense but the same passion for the cause that we champion, along with the encouragement from children and their appreciative parents, has kept us going against all odds. It gives your work so much more purpose.

For more information and to find out what activities and clubs are on offer, visit www.busybuttons.org or contact them on 07952 418 212 / 0800 101 8332

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Families Thames Valley East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.